Vol. 409 No. 10
22 Mr. Sherlock asked the Minister for Defence if he will review the procedures for, and occasions on which, guards of honour are deployed and utilised with a view to reducing demands on soldiers; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The occasions on which guards of honour are deployed are determined by Defence Force regulations which are kept under constant review.
It is not proposed to amend the existing regulations at the present time.
In view of the fact that this question has been put forward with a view to reducing demands on soldiers, would the Minister agree that a review should be undertaken?
There have not been any recommendations to change the provisions in the regulations. Such matters are kept under constant review. Units by and large welcome the opportunity to train and dress for ceremonial occasions as they arise. They regard it as being worth while as part of their overall training. In view of the Deputy's interest in this matter, I will undertake a closer examination and communciate with him.
Is the Minister aware that within certain battalions officers are finding it extremely difficult to secure the necessary numbers for various guards of honour, particularly the guard of honour for the President which consists of 100 soldiers? Does the Minister propose to do anything to increase numbers in the FCA? There are not sufficient recruits in the FCA because it is no longer attractive to be a member.
The question of making changes in this area can be kept under review and I have already given a commitment to have it examined. I am not aware that there is any undue problem in arranging guards of honour.
They are drawing them from the highways and byways and from a number of battalions across several counties.
